Hydrogen Research and Development This Act establishes a program to promote hydrogen as an energy resource. Submitted as: Hawaii SB 1435 SD 1 Status: enacted into law as Act 283 in 2001.
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Section 1. [Short Title.] This Act may be cited as “An Act to Establish a Private-Public Partnership to Promote and Support Hydrogen as an Energy Resource.” Section 2. [Legislative Findings.] Scientists have recognized hydrogen as a potential source of fuel for many years. Currently, hydrogen is used in industrial processes, rocket fuel, and spacecraft propulsion. With further research and development, hydrogen could competitively serve as an alternative source of energy for fueling vehicles and generating electricity. Recognizing the potential of hydrogen fuel, the United States Department of Energy and the private sector have for several years funded hydrogen research and development programs. The federal government alone allocates an average of $18,000,000 annually for hydrogen research and development. Currently, the market capitalization of fuel cell companies that rely on hydrogen as its fuel source is in excess of $10,000,000,000. The [Legislature] finds that this state represents an excellent site to attract government and industry investment in hydrogen. Major advantages include: (1) The availability of indigenous renewable resources, including geothermal energy; (2) The excellent research capabilities at the [state university]; (3) This state’s location for trade opportunities; (4) This state’s high transportation fuel costs; and (5) Significant progress in hydrogen research and development in this state. In addition, the [Legislature] recognizes that large-scale hydrogen use for transportation can be competitive this decade that fleet and military transportation have the largest potential for hydrogen and fuel cell use. On the national level, advancements are taking place to develop technologies that will utilize hydrogen as a fuel source. Major companies are investing in the development of fuel cells for both stationary and mobile power. Automakers are projecting the commercial availability of fuel cell powered vehicles that could be fueled by hydrogen within this decade. Significant amounts of investments are being made to develop fuel cells and other distributed generation technologies. With its traditional high fuel costs and a wealth of renewable energy resources, this state could attract these advanced technology development companies for research and development, testing, and deployment. These factors can lead to the development of a hydrogen-based economy where this state produces more of its own environmentally clean fuels, thus reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, and resulting in job growth, reduced pollution, and a more robust state economy. Therefore, the [Legislature] finds that the state should do more to continue efforts to enhance hydrogen use in it. Section 3. [Hydrogen Public/Private Partnership: Establishment] (a) There is established within the [department of business, economic development, and tourism],
The Council of State Governments
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